Yamaha MOTIF Rack XS question

[engineerjoel]

A friend of mine has mint condition Motif 6 XS that he is selling for $1100.

 

I was previously think about purchasing a Motif Rack XS (for $1,100) to add to my existing key rig.

 

I have played the Motif 6 XS and really like it; though, I have not had a chance to get my hands on the Motif Rack.

 

My question is: how similar are the presets/patches/performances between the Motif Rack XS vs the Motif 6 XS?

 

thanks.

 

[HammondDave]

One BIG difference... The Motif keyboard has sampling... the Motif rack does not...

 

 

[AnotherScott]

My question is: how similar are the presets/patches/performances between the Motif Rack XS vs the Motif 6 XS?

It has the same voices (the basic preset sounds). The "performances" (combinations of voices) are available in its Multi mode.

 

As HammondDave said, it does not have a sampler... related to that, it has no RAM, which means, not only can't you do sampling with it, you also can't load samples into it. So while it has the same stock sounds as the keyboard version, some of the optional libraries they sell for the keyboard won't work in the rack.

[MIDI2XS]

A friend of mine has mint condition Motif 6 XS that he is selling for $1100.

 

I was previously think about purchasing a Motif Rack XS (for $1,100) to add to my existing key rig.

There's another advantage of the XS6 over the Rack - the XS6 has a sequencer. Even if you don't need to record complete songs, the pattern mode can be very useful. Unless you only have room for a rack unit, I'd suggest going for the keys.

[RedKey]

IIRC, the rack has limited editing without a computer. It's been a while since I've tried, but it was something basic like setting up layers or splits zones that could not be done from the front panel.

[kalpajazz]

My Motif ES Rack is fully editable from its own panel ... from the first to the last parameter ...

[engineerjoel]

Okay, sorry for HiJacking my on Post...but, Just found out today that all Guitar Centers are selling all any new-oldstock Korg M3 (61) key version for $1299.00.

 

Would the M3 be worth getting besides the Motif 6XS?

 

thanks,

[BluMunk]

I love my M3-61. Totally a worthy instrument. It's my first workstation, so I can't compare it to the Motif.

 

The keybed is one of the best synth actions I've ever used.

 

You didn't say what you want it for. I would think that the choice between a rack unit and a keyboard would depend at least a little on form factor.

[JohnH]

IIRC, the rack has limited editing without a computer. It's been a while since I've tried, but it was something basic like setting up layers or splits zones that could not be done from the front panel.

 

As far as splitting and layering, not correct. Yes, Deep edits like delay settings need a computer, but layering and splitting is done on the rack.

 

First, make sure the Layer in Utility is turned to on:

 

Press the Utility button.

 

Cursor to General.

 

Cursor down to Layer 1-4.

 

Turn the dial so it says on.

 

Press the store button.

 

Layer a Multi

 

 

First, wipe out the existing Multi.

 

Press Multi and hold then press Enter.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Press Edit, then use cursor buttons to Cursor to the #1 and press Enter. (For parts 2, 3 and 4 Cursor to these numbers.

 

3. Cursor to Voice and Press Enter.

 

4. Press the Cat Search knob to the right of the LCD screen to select the first category.

 

5. Turn the dial to select the category and then press the knob again to see the voices.

 

6. Turn the dial to select the voice. Press enter to place the voice in the first part.

 

7. Cursor down and highlight voice with parameter and turn the dial to turn it on.

 

8. Cursor to Receive channel and turn the dial to Set it to one (one should already be @ one)

 

9. Press Exit twice and repeat the above steps, but cursor to numbers 2 or 3 or 4 for the rest of the layered parts.

 

To split: - ****OPTIONAL****

 

 

1. Press [EDIT]

 

2. Select a Part number: 1, 2, 3, or 4 and Press Enter.

 

2. Select PLAY MODE and press Enter

 

3. Use the cursor down button to cursor down to Note Limit Lo and Note Limit Hi.

 

4. Turn the Category search knob to set the limits for both hi and low

sections of the split.

 

5. Press [EXIT] 3 times.

 

6. Press Store, Enter, Yes.

 

 

 

[Synthoid]

Just found out today that all Guitar Centers are selling all any new-oldstock Korg M3 (61) key version for $1299.00.

 

Would the M3 be worth getting besides the Motif 6XS?

 

I own both and use the M3 much more than my Motif XS. I think the M3 has a better user interface (especially with the touchscreen). Editing sounds is definitely easier with the M3 and it offers more destinations to save your own programs and combinations.